CH Retreat

The Carmel Hill Fund Staff Directory

Monroe, Louisiana

Denver, Colorado

NYC, New York

Executive Team

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The Colorado Team

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Eileen

Erin

Gretchen

Alex

Amanda

Area Director

Renee

Lisa

Rachel

Kelly

Kim P.

Stephanie

Kim H.

The Lousiana Team

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Megan

Allison

Kayle

Area Director

The New York Team

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Fanon

Brenda

Cristal

Christopher

Anthony

Area Director

TBD

Nicole L.

Damary

Diana

Sontaia

Nicole J.

Stephanie

Maria

The Executive Team

Click on each person's picture to view their profile!

Cassandre

Kate

Itai

Chief Operating Officer

Executive Operations Mgr.

Executive Director

Kelly Tchilian

Years at Carmel Hill:

13 (since 2011)

she/her

/kel- ee/ /chil-ee-uhn/

Implementation Specialist & Bookworm

Title:

(rhymes with Jillian)

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I'm a bit of an introvert and get a little quiet in large groups.

I enjoy selecting and promoting great books and being a support person for teachers.

What I'm currently listening to:

What I'm currently reading:

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Belgium

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Knitting, yoga, reading, hiking, snowboarding and playing the ukulele in a mediocre fashion.

Preferred Name: Kelly

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

Favorite quote or lyric

""A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." - George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons

Let's Connect

Maria Garcia

Years at Carmel Hill:

1.5 (since August 2022)

she/her

/muh- ree-uh/ /gar-see-uh/

Title:

Strategic Initatives Mgr. & Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I'm a native New Yorker and a product of NYC schools

I get to support and build capacity of both schools and our NYC team

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Paris

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Traveling, entertaining friends & family, and learning how to become a better human : )

What I'm currently listening to:

Ten Percent Happier Podcast hosted by Dan Harris

Preferred Name: Maria

Favorite quote:

"We can do hard things." - Glennon Doyle

Let's Connect

Gretchen Rech

Years at Carmel Hill:

Almost 12 (since 2012)

she/her

/grech- uhn/ /rek/

IS, People Mgr. & Implementation Mgmt.

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I would love to be on the reality show The Amazing Race! I also LOVE watching shows, movies, TV, whatever! If you have some good suggestions, I am all ears!

I love the process of developing others so they can be the best of who they are professionally and personally.

Someday, I'd like to travel to...

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Greece

Vietnam

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

CrossFit, yoga, camping, doing anything outdoors, hanging with friends and family, and really like eating chips/guac and drinking a good marg.

What I'm currently reading:

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name: G

"That's what she said" - Michael Scott

Let's Connect

Fanon Howell

Years at Carmel Hill:

14 (since 2010)

he/him

/fa- nahn/ /how-el/

Title:

Director & NYC Project Manager

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

I have two beautiful children. A son Hudson (14) and daughter Grace (5).

Favorite part of my role:

Serving Youth

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Thailand

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Hiking, Yoga, Traveling, Muai Thai

What I'm currently reading:

Favorite quote:

Preferred Name: Fanon

Will by Will Smith

"Always do the right thing!" - Spike Lee

Let's Connect

Amanda Jackson

Years at Carmel Hill:

Almost 2 (since June 2022)

she/her

/uh- man-da/ /jak-sun/

Title:

Implementation Specialist, Kinder Program Lead

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I try to be open minded

I like being able to support admin, teachers and students with the goal of positively impacting students' literacy and creating voracious readers.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

La Manzanilla in Jalisco, Mexico

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

I enjoy spending time with my family and exercising.

What I'm currently reading:

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name: Amanda

“For there is always light, If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”― Amanda Gorman

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Lisa Corboy

Years at Carmel Hill:

Almost 2 (since March 2022)

she/her

/lee- suh/ /kor-boi/

Program Coordinator

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I would love to be on the Amazing Race! Experiencing the world, different cultures, traveling - makes us all the better person!

Working to increase literacy within Denver!

What I'm currently reading:

Somewhere I'd like to travel to some day is...

Thailand and the Elephant Nature Park

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Gardening, Biking, Hiking and Puzzles

On Brassard's Farm by Daniel Hecht

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Preferred Name: Lisa

Favorite quote or lyric

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” - Mahatma Ghandi

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Cristal Franco-Perez

Years at Carmel Hill:

14 (since 2010)

she/her

/krist- uhl/ /fran-koh/ - /perr-ez/

Title:

Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I'm a mom.

Working with others

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Japan

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Spending time with family

Favorite quote:

Preferred Name: Cristal

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." -Harry Potter, The Sorcerer's Stone

Let's Connect

Damary Gonzalez

Years at Carmel Hill:

14 (since 2010)

she/her

/duh- mar-ee/ /gon-zaa-lis/

Library Project Coordinator & Implementation Specialist

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

It's important to be kind

Favorite part of my role:

Library advocacy

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Barcelona and places that have beautiful beaches- The beach is my happy place.

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Visiting museums with my daughter.

What I'm currently reading:

Favorite quote:

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Preferred Name: Damary

“Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best.” ― Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements

Let's Connect

Kimberlee Huelsman

Years at Carmel Hill:

7.5 (since 2016)

she/her

/kim- bur-lee/ /huel-s-min/

Implementation Specialist & Learning and Development Manager

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

My husband and I moved to Colorado two weeks after getting married here and still had my wedding hair during my interview. My husband and I love overland camping and we have 2 dogs- WinnieCooper who is a sheepadoodle and Bridger (named for the Bridger Natl. Forest outside Yellowstone NP), who is a 8-week old Wire-haired Pointing Griffon puppy!

Favorite part of my role:

supporting teachers and school leaders so that they can grow and develop effective IR programs

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Somewhere I'd like to travel to someday is...

Greece (Santorini & Mykonos) and Italy (Capri & Positano).

Alaska and the South Pacific (Fiji, Tahiti, Bora Bora)

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Crafting, hiking/camping, interior decorating, working out (Peloton #The BuckeyeBelle), binging true crime podcsts, and history/ discovery documentaries

What I'm currently listening to:

What I'm currently reading:

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

Ashtonishing Legends Podcast

Preferred Name: Kim

Favorite quote or lyric

“Never give up because great things take time.” —Adrian Williams

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Kim Penttila

Years at Carmel Hill:

13 (since 2011)

she/her

/kim/ /pent-u-luh/

Structured Literacy Project Manager

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I am excited about the possibilities to come for Carmel Hill organization.

Making access to learning to read available for students, regardless of disability, diagnosis, school or family financial status.

Somewhere I'd like to travel to someday is...

What I'm currently reading:

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Thailand & Finland

Nepal

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Rafting, skiing, spending time with friends & family

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Reading in the Brain by Stanislas Dehaene

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name(s): Kim

“When he worked, he really worked. But when he played, he really PLAYED.” - Dr. Seuss

Let's Connect

Anthony Roberto

Years at Carmel Hill:

4.5 (since August 2019)

he/him

/an- tuh-nee/ /rho-bair-toh/

Title:

Operations Manager

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

Expecting a baby girl!

Planning, organizing, purchasing, tracking, and reporting

Some places I'd like to travel to someday is...

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

What I'm currently reading:

What I'm currently listening to:

Europe - England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Czech, Hungry, and Austria.

Italy and Croatia

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Running, Climbing, Backpacking, Camping, Snowboarding, Paddle Boarding, Unicycling, Cycling, BodyFit by Amy & Achv Peak Workout Videos

Smartless Podcast

Preferred Name: Anthony

Favorite quote:

The Big Oyster by Mark Kurlansky

"You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” - Bilbo Baggins, Fellowship of the Rings

Let's Connect

Armchair Expert Podcast

Alex Rothing

Years at Carmel Hill:

2.5 (since July 2021)

she/her

/al- iks/ /roth-ing/

Implementation Specialist and Strategic Initatives & Alliances Project Lead

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

The love of reading drew me in to CHF. I am an avid reader, I want my kids to betto. I love helping kids find books they love.

Engaging with teachers and students in the building. I love helping teachers problem solve ways to engage kids with reading and ultimately support kids finding their own path to love reading.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Somewhere I'd like to travel to someday is...

Scuba diving in Australia

What I'm currently reading:

Italy

What I'm currently listening to:

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Mostly mothering my children. But when I have time I like to exercise, ski in the winter, visit beaches in the summer and play co-ed softball.

Preferred Name: Alex

Favorite quote or lyric

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhoon

Up First by NPR Podcast and Taylor Swift

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then, When you know better, do better." -Maya Angelou

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Renee Chalfant

Years at Carmel Hill:

14 (since 2010)

she/her

/reh- ney/ /shal-font/

Office Manager

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I am an opinionated introvert

I enjoy working on projects and tasks where I can self-motivate, use my own initative to solve problems and work through a plan without oversight.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

England

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Making cookies, sitting by the fire with tea and a book, enjoying the benefits of hot springs

What I'm currently reading:

Tana French

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name: Renee

Every word in the book, Be Here Now by Ram Dass.

Let's Connect

Sontaia Briggs

Years at Carmel Hill:

Almost 1 year (since August 2023)

she/her

/saun-tay- uh/ /brig-z/

Title:

Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I usually only speak if I have something that could add to a conversation. I believe in thoughtful listening to learn. I'm empathic and try to see the upside to all situations.

I love that I get to support teachers and schools with students attaining a necessary life skill. One that will help them survive and best case scenario: thrive.

What I'm currently reading:

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Costa Rica

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Writing, design branding/marketing, reading, walking, and people watching.

Russian Poets by Peter Washington

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Preferred Name: Sontaia

Favorite quote:

I don't have a favorite quote.

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Rachel Harrison

Years at Carmel Hill:

1.5 (since 2022)

she/her

/ray - chuchl/ /harr-i-suhn/

Implementation Specilaist and Mgr. of Progressions Development and Evaluation (PD&E)

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I sang and traveled in Up With People (back in the 90's)

I really enjoy adding and developing PDs for our current progressions and stages in the PD&E department. The passion for my role includes coaching admin and teachers and supporting them in next steps with students. Helping in their success fills my bucket.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Kinsale, Ireland

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

I enjoy being outside in the fresh air skiing, snowshoeing , hiking and swimming. I really enjoy doing yoga, having time with friends and family and going to my daughter's soccer games.

What I'm currently reading:

Boldly Go by William Shatner

Preferred Name: Rachel

Favorite quote or lyric

"To thine owns self be true" - William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Stephanie Mackey

Years at Carmel Hill:

Almost 13 (since August 2011)

she/her

/steph-uh- nee/ /mak-ee/

Title:

Implementation Specialist & Implementation Mgmt.

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I am a rare species- a Colorado Native! I am a hockey, football and golf enthuasist!

I enjoy the work that is associated with Implementation Management. We are responsible for all things that pertain to implementing IR with school partnerships. I enjoy working with admin and teachers in developing their understandings around Independent Reading.

My most recent trip was...

To the UK with my son. It was just such a lovely experience.

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

I enjoy skiing, traveling, spending time outside, spending time with my family and friends.

Favorite quote or lyric

What I'm currently reading:

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

"Every situation in life is temporary. So, when life is good, make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life is not good, remember that it will not last forever and better days are on the way." -Jenni Young

Preferred Name: Puff

Let's Connect

Diana Sun

Years at Carmel Hill:

5.5 (since October 2018)

she/her

Student Enrichment Project Coordinator and Implementation Specialist

/dy- an-uh/ /s-uh-n/

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I am introverted and quiet but can be extroverted and loud around people I'm comfortable with. I find solace in nature, peace, and solitude.

I plan author visits for partnering schools, select scholarship recipients, bring them to the Summer Institute for the Gifted program in Bryn Mawr and Yale and then take them to YMCA Camp Mason for an outing filled with team-building activities. I enjoy working closely with students and bringing them experiences that are found outside of the classroom, as well as planning events.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Switzerland

What I'm currently reading:

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Rollerskating, embroidery, plant care, pilates, reading, skiing

Favorite quote:

The Wall by Marlen Haushofer

Preferred Name: Diana

"It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” - Matt Haig, The Midnight Library

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Klok, M.D.

Let's Connect

Kate Garroway

Since November 2023

Time at Carmel Hill:

she/her

/kayt/ /gare-oh-way/

Chief Operating Officer

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

It's hard to choose one thing... mostly that I'm excited to be here and diving into strategy work together!

Collaborating with and learning from passionate, smart colleagues; I look forward to setting, articulating, and implementing a compelling operational strategy in support of our mission

Somewhere I'd like to travel to somday is...

Japan

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Reading, cooking/eating, stationery/pens/inks, yoga/pilates, walking in my own or other cities

Favorite quote:

“What is the meaning of life? That was all- a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years, the great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead, there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark; here was one.” - Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse

What I'm currently listening to:

Parakeet by Marie-Helene Bertino

Preferred Name: Kate

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Brenda Addison

Years at Carmel Hill:

10.5 (since September 2013)

she/her

/bren- da/ /ad-uh-suhn/

Title:

Library Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I watch some football games and the Superbowl.

What I like about my role is being part of a team that creates engaging and vibrant library spaces for children to discover new books and get excited about reading.

Somewhere I'd like to travel to some day is...

Africa or Egypt

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

photography, listening to music

What I'm currently reading:

Favorite quote:

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Preferred Name: Brenda

"If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down ". - Toni Morrison

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Cassandre Celestin-Michel

she/her

Years at Carmel Hill:

20 (since Feb. 28th 2004)

/kuh- suhn/ /sə-les-tin/ - /me-shehl/

Title:

Executive Operations Manager

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I'm a big jokester love to laugh and play practical jokes.

Being a source of support for the staff and helping run the organization..

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

St. Marteen

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Dancing, party decor

What I'm currently reading:

Finding Me by Viola Davis

Preferred Name: Cassandre

Favorite quote:

"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." - Maya Angelou

Let's Connect

Kayle Waren

Years at Carmel Hill:

2 (since 2022)

she/her

/k-ale/ /worr-uhn/

Title:

Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite parts of my role:

I'm very adaptable and super friendly.

The positive and ever-changing atmosphere and having an impact

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Hawaii

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Singing, reading, and spending time with kids

What I'm currently reading:

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name: Kayle

"You is Kind. You is Smart. You is Important." - Aibileen Clark, The Help

Let's Connect

Nicole Lewis

Years at Carmel Hill:

1.5 (since August 2022)

she/her

/nih- kohl/ /loo-is/

Title:

Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Community Development. I love to travel. I am a gamer and love online games. Soup is my favrotite type of food, and I have never owend a pet.

I get to work in Harlem which is a very culturally rich area and by making an impact at the schools, I get to help influence that culture.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Egypt

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently listening to:

hiking/ running in nature

Science of Reading The Podcast presented by Apmplify

Preferred Name: Nicole

Favorite quote:

"Its not the destination, its the journey." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let's Connect

Erin Mudd

Years at Carmel Hill:

10 years (since 2014)

she/her

/er- in/ /mud/

Implementation Specialist & Bookworm

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I love trying out new hobbies.

Working with teacher and learning about all the new books

Somewhere I'd like to travel to someday is...

I would love to go to Bhutan and Senegal.

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Hiking, knitting, reading, gardening and walking my dog

What I'm currently reading:

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

Preferred Name: Erin

Favorite quote or lyric

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

What I'm currently reading OR Listening to

Favorite quote or lyric

Let's Connect

Stephanie Enaje

Time at Carmel Hill:

Since February 2024

she/her

/stef- uh-nee/ /ee-nah-hay/

Title:

Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I grew up in Houston, TX

Creating an environment for curious readers to grow

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Tuscany, Italy

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Dogs, shopping, hiking, cooking, and naps.

What I'm currently reading:

Favorite quote:

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tollle

Preferred Name: Stephanie

"May nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass; patient endurance attains all things." - St. Teresa of Avila

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Eileen McMahon

Years at Carmel Hill:

Founded the Colorado site in 2004

she/her

/eye- lean/ /mick-man/

Area Director

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I believe deeply in our work.

I like working my colleagues most of all. My role includes people manager, oversight of site finances, program development, etc.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Iceland

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Cooking, reading, hiking with friends, relaxing in nature (so corny!)

What I'm currently reading:

Solito by Javier Zamora

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name: Eileen

Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. - Brene' Brown

Let's Connect

Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

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Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

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Megan Broussard

Years at Carmel Hill:

4.5

she/her

/meg-uhn/ /bru-ssard/

Title:

Implementation Specialist & Intern Coordinator

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

On a professional level, you should know that I am mostly the one that comes up with the digital creations. On a personal note, I have a pretty dry sense of humor and regularly quote Will Ferrell movies, the Office, and Schitt's Creek.

Building the relationships with the interns and librarians as well as seeing the smiles we bring to the kids for different rewards as they meet their goals

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Napa and Sonoma, California

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

weightlifting, shopping, reading, & easy crafting projects

What I'm currently reading:

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name(s): Meg or Megan

“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” — Michael Scott, The Office

"Fold in the cheese" - Moira Rose, Schitts Creek

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Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

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A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

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Allison Painich

Years at Carmel Hill:

15 years (Since 2008)

she/her

/al-i-suhn/ /pain-itch/

Area Director of Lousiana

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I am adopted. I am also fiercely loyal, independent, and an introvert.

I love all aspects of my job, and I am responsible for the Louisiana Project.

My favorite places I've traveled to include...

Hawaii and St. Maarten, Virgin Islands

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Spending time with family, shopping and traveling.

What I'm currently reading:

Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell

Favorite quote or lyric

Preferred Name: Allison

"Your work is going to fill a LARGE part of your life, and the only way to be truly SATISFIED is to do what you believe is GREAT work. The only way to do GREAT work is to LOVE what you do." - Steve Jobs, 2005 Stanford Commencement

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Chris Thornton

Years at Carmel Hill:

1.5 (since August 2022)

he/him

/kris/ /thor-ton/

Title:

Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I cook and take my own food photography

My favorite part of my role is data analysis. I've found this to be the most impactful thing that I can do for schools is taking that off their plate and give them the action steps they need to be successful.

Somewhre I'd like to travel to someday is...

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

What I'm currently listening to:

What I'm currently reading:

Amsterdam

Columbia

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Fishing, Hiking, Cooking and Gardening

Preferred Name: Chris

Favorite quote:

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

Anderson Paak and Larry June

"The score takes care of itself" - Bill Walsh

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Nicole Jabanoski

Time at Carmel Hill:

Since February 2024

she/her

/ni-kohl / /ja-buh-nos-kee/

Title:

Implementation Specialist

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

I just started at Carmel Hill, but I taught at one of our partner schools in the Bronx.

I love encouraging students to read, and I enjoy working with teachers and schools to increase independent reading practice.

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Dakar, Senegal

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Reading, writing fiction, learning languages, traveling, spending time with my dog.

What I'm currently reading:

Favorite quote:

Folk of the Air series by Holly Black

Preferred Name: Nicole

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” - "The End" by The Beatles

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Itai Dinour

Years at Carmel Hill:

1 year (Since February 2023)

he/him

/ee- tai/ /dee-nur/

Executive Director

Title:

Something I'd like you to know about me is...

What I like about my role & what I'm responsible for:

I am the second youngest of four siblings.

Responsibility: Developing and implementing a strategy to marshal Carmel Hill Fund's resources to help young people become voracious readers and support their mental health. Like: Working with and learning from really smart people who are deeply committed to the success of young people. "

My favorite place I've traveled to is...

Iceland

Some of my hobbies or past times include:

Traveling

What I'm currently listening to:

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Preferred Name: Itai

Favorite quote:

"Right on top of that Rose" - Sue Ellen Crandell, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

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Staff Name

Years at Carmel Hill:

Pronuncuation & pronouns

Title:

A fun fact about me is... OR Something I'd like you to know about me is...

Favorite part of my role:

My favorite place I've traveled to is... OR Somewhere I want to travel to is...

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